Janet Montgomery became High Sheriff of Somerset in March 2025. Born and bred in Somerset, Janet attended the local primary school and then secondary schools in Bruton and Taunton. She is a graduate from Durham University and a qualified chartered surveyor and town planner.
Janet lived and worked for a number of years in London before returning to Somerset when she married in the late 1980s. She spent most of her professional career as partner in a west country firm of architects and surveyors and remains a consultant to this practise. Her work has introduced her to many different sectors of society and taken her to various parts of the UK.
Alongside her professional career, Janet has also contributed time and assistance to a variety of local and charitable causes, acting as trustee to several Somerset charities with varying focus, including health, sport and education. She was a member of her local parish council for many years and until recently she was Chair of Governors of the village primary school. Janet lives in the eastern sector of Somerset and in her spare time enjoys an outdoor life, a variety of sports and cultural interests.
Having been brought up on a farm and subsequently marrying into a farming family she is deeply connected to the county’s rich and diverse landscapes. She also has an acute awareness of challenges facing the rural communities. Through her work and charity support she is also aware of some of the issues facing the more urban population. Her upbringing, combined with her professional career, provides a valuable breadth of knowledge of the county and its people.
As High Sheriff, Janet’s focus for her year in term was to support organisations that help children and young people, recognising the vital role education and extracurricular activities play in steering them away from antisocial behaviour and crime. With extensive experience as a governor at both primary and secondary schools, she understands the challenges they face and the transformative power of positive opportunities. While her primary focus is on youth initiatives, she deeply values the incredible work being done across the county.